Friday, August 31, 2007

SWEPT AWAY....

Former Paranaque Mayor Joey Marquez
has been convicted of graft
and sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison
for the anomalous purchase of Walis Tingting (!)
worth P2,940,000.



Whaddaf!??!?!!

Onli in da Pilipins!!!!




When pressed for a comment in a telephone interview,
the convicted ex-politican's sister,

Melanie Marquez,
former Bb. Pilipinas International
and notorious word mangler said:

"Hello!
My brother is out of town,
would you like to wait?

Huh? What you say?
Can you repeat that for a second time once more around again?

Do not judge my brother, he is NOT a book!!

He is clean and pure, not a walis tingting!!!
My brother is not a pig!
He is a human being!

He is not a criminal, he is an innocent....

Hay naku!
sumasakit na tuloy ang migraine headache ko.

For a while ha,
hang yourself on the phone......"


LONG SHOT


Definitely the most thrilling game-winning shot of the year!

Although I'm an alumnus of,
in chronological order:
De La Salle, Ateneo de Manila, & the University of Santo Tomas,

my basketball allegiances are strictly with
the Eagles and the Tigers.



As a grade school graduate of De La Salle,
it embarasses me no end
that DLSU has consistently been involved in UAAP scandals.

While I respect the fanaticism of the La Sallites,
it is an inarguable, inescapable fact that (our) their team
has been caught, and punished, for premeditated cheating,
at least twice, since their (our) school joined the UAAP.


As a basketball sportscaster,
it irritates me no end
that the Green Archers have defiled the purity of the game
by bastardizing Winston Churchill's maxim of
"Victory at all costs..."




As an Atenean and a Thomasian,
it pleases me no end
that both my High School and College alma maters
continue to show the Philippines exactly how
basketball should be played:

with true courage, sheer intensity,
always tough, but never dirty.

One cannot put a price on honest achievements
predicated on pure school spirit.




Last year,
I was torn apart when UST and Ateneo
battled for the UAAP Championship.

But when the underdog rookie-laden Tigers
snatched the crown from the veteran Eagles,

I rejoiced with the rest of the Espana community.




And earlier tonight,
I was as proud as Kirk Long's father
when his young son, a rookie player,

played DAVID,
and with a single spectacular LONG shot,
slew the defending champions,
the GOLIATH that is UST.



It was still a win-win situation for me,
after all.



for the lousy picture of my TV screen, thanks to me.
for the great pictures of Kirk Long of Ateneo,

all the credit goes to http://www.fabilioh.com/,

Home of the Ateneo Sports Shooters!!!

SEAN KINGSTON was right.....

... BEAUTIFUL GIRLS can make you SUICIDAL.


get well soon, Owen Wilson.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Staring at the SON



Is Chris Martin really the spiritual son of Bono,
and
will Coldplay inherit U2's title as "the best band in the world"?


If I were to base it on both lead singers' charismatic voices,
the anthemic crowd-pleasing songs,
their incomparable rapport with their fans,
and these DVDs,
two of the best live concert videos
to come out in recent years,

the answer would have to YES.




The U2 DVD captures the band at a resurgence;
"All That You Can't Leave Behind" had just been released,
an album that many consider to be the best by Bono and the boys
since "The Joshua Tree" more than a decade earlier.

After explorations into electronica during much of the 1990s,
U2 reverted to their guitar rock roots in 2001,
and in doing so,
they not only grabbed an armful of Grammy awards,
but more importantly,
quenched the thirst of long-time fans like myself
for the "real sound" of the band.

This concert has arguably the best version caught on tape,
and definitely the most romantic performance of
my. favorite. song. ever:

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU




A couple of years later,
a band that sounded not unlke U2 became the hottest act in rock.

Flush with the success of "A Rush of Blood to the Head",
their follow-up to the debut album "Parachutes",
this concert captures COLDPLAY at a point in their career,
pre-Gwyneth Paltrow, pre-showbiz intrigues,

when Chris Martin and company
were playing their songs with sheer joy and pure exuberance,
enjoying, with their mesmerized audience, quite literally,

a rush of blood to the head,
brought about by an unbelieving realization that their band
had suddenly become a worldwide phenomenon.

You must watch this DVD for the sublime version,
bathed in sunny lemon lighting,
of ........ what else?

YELLOW





Monday, August 27, 2007

So BAD, yet So GOOOOOOD!!!

Chicken Skin Chicharon : P45.00

as we say in Pampanga....

MATE KU!!!

(mamamatay ako sa sarap......
at higit pa,
mete ku quing cholesterol!!!)


You can order these cardiac specials at Terry's;
just phone in,
or drop by if you're in the Binondo area.

They also have special menu prices for LIPITOR ",



STAND BY ME, I'm SUICIDAL... I need some BEAUTIFUL GIRLS!!!

For a totally trippy Sound Trip,
play any two of the youtube files below simultaneously!

Even better,
all three at the same time,
adjust the volume of each video to make your own mix....

Wooohooo!!!!



1. Start with Ben E. King's
classic STAND BY ME,

sample its' unmistakable bass and cymbals,
("tung dung dung, tsss! tugn dung dung, tsss!")




2. Layer it with Sean Kingston's SUICIDAL
foot-tapping Jamaican patois about
the eternal story of a man dumped by a beautiful woman,






3. Infuse it with JoJo's "grrrl power" vocals
about BEAUTIFUL GIRLS further dissing the poor loser,
and you've got some of the best dance music of 2007!!!


Bumalik nAPO Sila!!!

This album is a prime example of exactly the reason why,
despite the fact that I "own" a 2,000+ member yahoogroup
uneuphemistically named "QUIAPO DVD",

I never buy pirated OPM CDs.


Yesterday,
immedately after seeing the advert of this follow-up
to 2006's top commercial and critical success,
Kami nAPO Muna,
I rushed to MusicOne, eagerly handed over my P300,
and immediately listened to the CD.


I was really afraid that this would fall prey to "sequel-itis",
a disappointing release concocted just to make easy money
from gullible fans of the original.

Well, rest easy, fellow APO and Alternative music fans,
our fears are unfounded....


If at all,
this new tribute album is even better than the first;
it's more muscially, artistically adventurous;

and in spite of the fact that some of the APO songs
here are admittedly some of their latter, 2nd-tier hits,

that actually works to the songs' advantage,
as the listener is not biased by "historical preferences",
but rather, is pleasantly surprised by the pleasure of new discoveries.


The cover versions verge into
trip-hop & chill-out territory,
'70s-style moody guitar rock,
pure romantic pop confections,
Beatles-influenced pastiche,
and even a couple of
pang-toma sing-a-longs!


Definitely one of the best of 2007.


Congratulations,
Danny, Jim, and Boboy ---
38 years on, and APO is hotter than ever!!!



1.AMERICAN JUNK : Kamikazee vs. Parokya ni Edgar

2.SALAWIKAIN : Mcoy of Oranges & Lemons
feat. The Spaceflower Show

3.PRINCESA : Itchyworms

4.SAAN NA NGA BA'NG BARKADA : Spongecola

5.TUYO NA'NG DAMDAMIN : Silent Sanctuary

6.WALA NANG HAHANAPIN PA : True Faith

7.MAHIRAP MAGMAHAL NG SYOTA NG IBA : Hilera

8.LOVE IS FOR SINGING : The Bloomfields

9.SYOTANG PA-CLASS : Radioactive Sago Project
feat. Raymund Marasigan

10.KAIBIGAN : Up Dharma Down

11.SHOW ME A SMILE : Imago

12.ISANG DANGKAL : Paramita

13.HETO NA : Concrete Sam

14.TULOY ANG IKOT NG MUNDO : Dicta License

15.HANGGANG MAY PAG-IBIG : Chillitees

16.JUST A SMILE AWAY : Shamrock

17.SUNTOK SA BUWAN : Scrambled Eggs

18.LUMANG TUGTUGIN : APO All-Star

Sunday, August 26, 2007

86% Pass Rate!!!



CONGRATULATIONS


to the brand new RNs of


STI-SAN PABLO!!!


Just a few hours ago,
the PRC released the much-delayed results of the
June 2007 Philippine Nursing Licensure Exams.

After almost three long months
of holding our collective breath,

we finally received the awesome news that
Universal Worker Inc.,
the review center network I manage,
(I do have a day job. hehehe!)

achieved an 86% pass-rate
(almost double the Philippine national average!)
for the pioneer batch of the
very first STI College of Nursing,
STI San Pablo, Laguna.




In 2008,
18 more STI Colleges of Nursing
will graduate their respective pilot batches.


01 down,
18 to go...


Bring it on!!!!


props to:
Eric, Monina, Kaybee, Maggie, Margaret, Loyda, Rita,
Randelle, Nida, Kai, Jorie, Ces, Karen, Dolph, Beth,
Yvette, Tony, Junita, Suzzette, Chet, Louella, Toni,
Vicky, Connie, Alf, Reg, Ray, Chedie, Jack, Flor, Che,
and wasn't this the perfect birthday gift, Dean Joy?

Saturday, August 25, 2007

MAKULAY ang BUHAY sa SINABAWANG GULAY!!!

I was working late last Wednesday,
and the only other people left in the office
were the IT guys;

before I shut down my PC for the day,
I couldn't resist watching this commercial
one last time on youtube.

It's a great way to de-stress,
and a guaranteed way to put a goofy smile on my face.

Imagine my surprise when I seemed to hear an echo
from outside my office, and upon stepping out,
I saw the IT guys singing and dancing along to the same video!

Corporate professionals reverting to childhood because of a TVC...
MAKULAY ANG BUHAY indeed!!!



The sheer silly exuberance of the kids in the commercial,
the wonderful and vibrant Willy Wonka-ish colors,
the dance steps that will surely be performed in this year's Christmas parties,
and most of all,
that jingle that's guaranteed to afflict us all with Last Song Syndrome,

makes this TVC one of the Best of 2007, an instant classic!



download the full TV commercial here:
MAKULAY ang VIDEO!


download the MP3 jingle for your cellphone here:
MAKULAY ang AUDIO!



many thanks to:
http://www.jcv000.multiply.com/ for the picture
http://www.tyropark.multiply.com/ for the sound file
and
www.youtube.com/user/ADman1909 for the commercial,

and

Unilever and Knorr for making this Manila Boy a Manila Kid again!

Meet HERB d PERV

He's the graphic design genius
(emphasis on graphic)

who was my creative partner
(the McCartney to my Lennon)

this past week,
when we wholeheartedly participated
in the onslaught against you-know-who.

(she-whose-name-will-never-be-mentioned-in-this-blog-again)


The picture above could've been captioned
"Herb D Perv feasts on ----",

and since Sam Gyup Sal,
or as we call it, Korean Bacon,

is our favorite pulutan with SMB Pale Pilsen,
the title would have been more than appropriate.





My perverted kumpare prefers to remain low-key,
but I'd like to honor his contributions to the cause
(The Top 7 Things to Say to ----; all the anti---- logos)
by introducing you to this character from Cavite:


Top 5 Strange Facts About HERB D PERV:

1. His e-mail address really is
herbdperv@gmail.com
For any graphic design needs, do send him a note.


2. He's not a doctor or a nurse,
but he works at a hospital.
Or at least, pretends to.


3. He's got friends named "PUTONG" and "ULO";
the outrageous stories about these gentlemen
are not fit for a family-friendly blog.


4. He compiled the best-ever collection of Alternative Rock
in a 10-CD volume series entitled:
"A WORLD WITHOUT BOY BANDS"
(you can still order this, btw. see e-mail address above)


5. He believes, and I agree,
that this Japanese-French/Canadian lady
is the Best Actress in the World.

(you can order her DVDs; just e-mail Herb D Perv!)

COOL...

somewhere on Leonard Wood Road


I'll have to stay in Manila this long weekend,
as I have to stake out the PRC and wait for the results
of the June 2007 Local Nursing Board Exams.

But while I'll miss Baguio's bed weather,
the recent events in Philippine Nursing
have really made me feel really good.



This past week,
there's been a confluence of events in my industry,
that of Nursing Reviews, both local and international:

1. GAPUZ, the Queen of Leakages,
is in very hot water over last year's cheating scandal
;
a criminal case against his notorious review center
has finally been filed by the Department of Justice.

2. The U.S. Nursing Licensure exam, the NCLEX,
has finally been deployed in the Philippines
;
now, prospective Filipino USRNs need not fly to
Saipan, Guam, Hong Kong, or Seoul to take the exam.


So damn COOL.....


Viewing Deck of SM Baguio

MUKHASIM!!!


gRRRRRabe,

saRRRRRRap!!!



Ginisang ALAMANG with KAMIAS.


Truly Pinoy,
and a perfect post-hangover meal
served with freshly-cooked steaming hot white rice
generously topped with this,

the best-ever Crunchy Fried Garlic with Chili Oil

from Becky's Kitchen!


Friday, August 24, 2007

Why We BLOG

CONGRATULATIONS,
MANY THANKS,
and MUCH LOVE



to all the PINOYS
who blogged, spammed, e-mailed, instant messaged,
and practically excoriated themselves
hammering their keyboards defending their OFW kabayans

from the abusive, insensitive, careless words
of one just-resigned Malu Fernandez.


Together,
we've proven that we can be a force to be reckoned with.

And contrary to what she may be thinking right now,
the fight was less about Hate for Malu and her words,
but more about Love for the Philippines and her people
.


MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS!!!






Many people have asked me why I blog:
Ego?
Chutzpah?
My 15 Minutes of Fame?

and even one:
Because I'm lonely? (huh?)



Bottom line is,
I blog because I'm so damn
PROUD to be a FILIPINO.



Through this medium,
I'm able to reach my countrymen all over the world,
and many other citizens from dozens of other countries,

and remind them,
on a daily basis,


that yes,
despite the seeming insanity inherent in our society,

OUR PHILIPPINES
is still the best damn country on earth,


and that

WE FILIPINOS
are simply, the best.



Do you get it now, Malu?

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

My Little BLOG BOOK

Welcome to my 430th blog post
over the past 373 days.

I had one aborted attempt in February 2006,
and completely forgot about blogging,

until Anton and Ajay,
my mentors,
convinced me to give it another try.

They were and are great;
constructive,
supportive,
and kind.



But they forgot to supply the toilet paper.

They should have,
because thanks to them, I've now got BLOG DIARRHEA.




And to take the "paper" analogy one step further,
the time has come to publish my blog
for the supreme embarassment of my future children.


Thanks to HERB d PERV,
my genius graphic designer kumpare,
"Manila Boy" will soon come out in a glossy magazine format.


In a couple of decades,
my kids will be able to read their Dad's:

1. Really really bad puns
2. Nationalistic left-leaning rants
3. Sentimental outbursts
4. Romantic notions
5. Delusions of grandeur

... and yes,
in a pinch, they can use my blog book as TP.

I should name my firstborn "Cornholio",
should that be the case.


So here it is, ladies and germs....

The sample pages of "MANILA BOY":


(just click on the pics for the actual size of the pages)



The Last ROMANTIC? on 08/20/2007 0:17 PM

I Need BOurNeAMINE!!! on 08/19/2007 1:42 PM

Clowning Around with PRINCESS ALEXANDRA on 08/19/2007 0:50 PM

The Latest CANDID PICTURE of Malu Fernandez on 08/19/2007 11:23 AM

Di Lang Pala sa OFW Galit si MALU, sa Buong PILIPINAS pala!!! on 08/17/2007 3:57 PM

YOU'RE BACON, BITCH!!! (or how the Pinoy Blog Community is frying up Malu Fernandez) on 08/17/2007 2:33 PM

In Memoriam : NINOY AQUINO on 08/17/2007 1:58 AM

MALUpit!!! on 08/16/2007 6:16 PM

My Life as JERRY MAGUIRE on 08/16/2007 6:00 PM

The BAGNET Happy Meal.... on 08/15/2007 9:57 PM

If You Can't KREME 'em, KRISPY KRUST 'em!!! on 08/15/2007 9:18 PM

F*CK. I knew this would happen: Mayor Lim shuts down BAYWALK!!! on 08/12/2007 10:37 AM

Batch '77 on 08/12/2007 9:49 AM

Now All I Need is the POPCORN!!! on 08/06/2007 11:44 AM

when KRISPY KREME met HERSHEY'S on 08/06/2007 10:45 AM

SITTI does U2 on 08/06/2007 10:07 AM

BOURNE Three.... on 08/06/2007 9:34 AM

TOILET HUMOR on 08/06/2007 8:00 AM

KAPALMUX : Must Be The Fookin' Eyebrows!!! on 07/31/2007 9:34 PM

Don't It Make My BROWN EYES Gray.... on 07/31/2007 9:18 PM

TURISTA sa sariling BAYAN on 07/29/2007 10:47 PM

ATENEO takes the 1st Round on 07/27/2007 0:31 AM

LASHENG na ko, pare.... *hic!* on 07/24/2007 9:58 AM



It's All About The FOOD, Baby!!! on 07/24/2007 1:06 AM

The PEARL on 07/23/2007 11:17 PM

SONAfabitch on 07/23/2007 6:58 PM

A Love Affair, REKINDLED. on 07/23/2007 4:35 PM




PURE SHORES on 07/22/2007 11:30 PM

BORACAY or BORA? on 07/20/2007 2:02 AM

Why SINATRA Matters on 07/20/2007 1:10 AM

Livin' La Vida SPANKY on 07/18/2007 7:30 PM

SWIT memories of childhood on 07/16/2007 0:15 AM

Mindanao's KRISPY KREME on 07/15/2007 11:34 PM

ABSOLUT TSOKO on 07/15/2007 9:39 PM

CLASS ACT on 07/09/2007 8:29 PM

ADDICT!!! on 07/08/2007 4:19 PM

#1 CRUSH on 07/08/2007 1:05 PM

como esta USTed, ATENEO & LA SALLE? on 07/08/2007 0:14 PM

D. on 07/03/2007 9:38 AM

The BAGUIO BOOK Tour on 07/02/2007 8:12 PM

SUNDAY BEST on 07/02/2007 7:51 PM

The Soft Glow of BACLARAN's Slow Flow on 07/02/2007 7:35 PM

The Real Reason why ANGELINA JOLIE adopts all those kids..... on 07/02/2007 7:30 PM

Cool BEER News!!!! on 06/28/2007 3:40 PM

KRISPY KREME Greenhills: the HOT LIGHT will turn you on TODAY!!! on 06/27/2007 10:09 AM

Yung May PULP BITS Siempre!!! on 06/26/2007 11:11 PM

This Novel Will RUIN My Sleep.... on 06/26/2007 8:38 PM

TOTAL SUNSET on 06/24/2007 11:25 AM

STARDUCK on 06/24/2007 11:18 AM

SMB's New Look on 06/24/2007 11:07 AM

a rat-breaking work of staggering genius : RATATOUILLE on 06/23/2007 11:43 PM

The Best Thing to do with leftover TIKOY... on 06/17/2007 2:30 PM

PALABOK for Ram and Meggy on 06/17/2007 1:57 PM

The Perfect PAPA's Day!!! on 06/17/2007 1:41 PM

CONNIE's Got Talent!!! on 06/17/2007 1:33 PM

OCTOPORKY on 06/17/2007 0:36 PM



from cellphone sales to CON TE PARTIRO..... on 06/16/2007 0:58 PM

How to Wipe the Floor with AMERICAN IDOL... on 06/15/2007 5:41 PM

i can't believe she used to be called "SIOPAO FACE" on 06/14/2007 11:34 PM

Bitter SUITE on 06/13/2007 0:30 AM

WHACKED!!! on 06/13/2007 0:14 AM

BACLAYON Church, 1596 A.D. on 06/11/2007 1:54 PM

Napakagandang TAO on 06/11/2007 1:21 PM

LOBOC's Views of Apocalypse Now on 06/11/2007 0:25 PM

WHEW!!! on 06/10/2007 11:05 PM



BUZZted!!! on 06/10/2007 9:04 PM

My Favorite TACTLESS Dinner Companion is Back!!! on 06/10/2007 5:06 PM

MISMO!!! on 06/10/2007 2:29 PM

RAT * A * TOO * EE on 06/10/2007 11:55 AM

CON TE PARTIRO... on 06/08/2007 11:30 AM

BAGUIO's BEST Bed & Breakfast... & BAR!!! on 06/08/2007 11:11 AM


BEHROUZ kababs his way up to BAGUIO on 06/08/2007 10:08 AM

Awesome PILIPINAS!!! on 06/04/2007 7:33 PM

INFINIT' Inebriation on 06/04/2007 0:52 PM

My IMMORTALS on 06/04/2007 11:50 AM

Seven Years Ago in GENSAN... on 06/03/2007 1:59 PM

A New Dawn Rises in The EAST on 06/03/2007 0:05 PM

The Best Martinis in Manila are @ MARTINIS on 06/02/2007 4:11 PM

SMALL MAC on 06/02/2007 3:53 PM

SKIN CITY on 06/01/2007 10:17 AM

EyeBall in BOHOL!!! on 05/29/2007 0:18 PM

Thank You, TONY BLAIR on 05/20/2007 11:50 PM

Tanghalian sa OROQUIETA on 05/20/2007 10:36 PM

SHREK 3 Strikes Out!!! on 05/20/2007 9:37 PM

Primus Inter PARI... on 05/19/2007 0:54 PM

The KONSUMISYON on ELECTIONS on 05/19/2007 11:43 AM

BITCHSLAP on 05/18/2007 11:44 AM

The SHREK Meal on 05/17/2007 0:19 AM

TONYPET's Flights of Fantasy on 05/16/2007 11:58 PM

Let's Dance the CHA-CHA Again!!! on 05/16/2007 2:49 PM

HUH?!?!?!? Is this a sneaky Lito ATIENZA gimmick, or a product of Fred LIM's Dirty Tricks Dept.??? on 05/11/2007 11:41 PM

Have YOU Finalized Your SENATE Selections? on 05/11/2007 10:37 AM



To Love Somebody? Yes......JORDIN!!! on 05/09/2007 11:09 PM

FG Mathematics : 1 + 1 = 0 for Alan Peter CAYETANO on 05/09/2007 10:23 PM

"Yung SERIAL NUMBER ng PANSIT, kailangan din niyo?" on 05/09/2007 9:20 PM

baBANATan ko itong hunghang na ito..... on 05/09/2007 8:57 PM

The Best CHICHARON is HOMEMADE!!! on 05/09/2007 8:47 PM

The Best Kept Secret of BAGUIO's INN Crowd on 05/09/2007 11:19 AM

Guaranteed Not to RUIN Your Appetite!!! on 05/09/2007 10:19 AM

I'm Gonna Get Ya, SUCKAH!!! on 05/08/2007 11:26 AM

I Got Your CHERRY!!! on 05/08/2007 11:12 AM

JELLY BELLY : why I will still return to the Shang Cinebar on 05/06/2007 5:33 PM

The SNOBs of SHANGRI-LA on 05/06/2007 3:21 PM

COMPORT POOD on 05/06/2007 2:52 PM

ROCOCO on 05/06/2007 2:34 PM

MANILA VICE on 05/02/2007 7:12 PM

Best. SPIDER-MAN. Ever!!! on 05/02/2007 0:38 AM

here are your TOP 12 PHILIPPINE (Senate) IDOLS!!! on 05/01/2007 11:28 AM

"Lose the accent, Mary Poppins! This is AMERICAN IDOL!" on 04/26/2007 10:02 PM

CHILL on 04/25/2007 6:40 PM

The Man Who Could Save PAMPANGA on 04/22/2007 10:46 PM

Be Cool in BICOL! on 04/11/2007 4:26 PM

Mother Earth's BACON on 04/09/2007 4:39 AM

A Bloody Traditional MAUNDY Thursday on 04/08/2007 9:05 PM

The BLACK PARADE on 04/08/2007 8:06 PM

HOSANNA, HOSANNA!!! on 04/01/2007 9:44 PM

Canadian CHEESE & Cainta COCO JAM on 04/01/2007 3:51 PM

We're #1!!! on 04/01/2007 3:37 PM

My MAYOR!!! on 03/31/2007 1:19 AM


What The FAKE???!?!!?!?! on 03/31/2007 1:10 AM

The Real Reason Why SANJAYA Can't Be Stopped! on 03/30/2007 1:03 AM

Who Needs BOBBY FLAY When I've Got.... on 03/29/2007 3:35 AM

He's a CREEP, He's a WEIRDO.... on 03/29/2007 3:17 AM

OUZO @ The Ledge on 03/29/2007 3:04 AM

This Guy's In Love With You, PARE!!! on 03/29/2007 2:47 AM

My Pledge of LOVE... on 03/29/2007 2:34 AM

As If You Need More PROOF.... on 03/29/2007 2:24 AM

IT'S OFFICIAL. I HATE GMA!!!! on 03/29/2007 1:11 AM

Holy Cow, here comes the BACALAO!!! on 03/27/2007 10:52 AM

Two Very PINOY Print Ads on 03/25/2007 9:59 PM

A Very CHIZ-y Campaign on 03/24/2007 10:38 PM

HIZON's : The Best RAISIN BREAD. Ever!!! on 03/24/2007 3:31 PM

What FOX MULDER Would've Said..... on 03/24/2007 3:19 PM

ROCO sa kotse ko, ROCO sa balota ko!!! on 03/24/2007 3:02 PM

On KOBE's 4th consecutive 50pt. game on 03/24/2007 2:49 PM

It's Time for the B-B-Q FAMILY FEUD??? on 03/24/2007 2:42 PM

Our Lady of the ROTATION on 03/24/2007 2:37 PM

"3" : 5/4 on 03/24/2007 9:00 AM

The World Record TAPSI!!! on 03/23/2007 1:28 PM

after "300", here's "700"!!! on 03/22/2007 11:53 PM

The Best SUNSET Sounds for Summer 2007 on 03/22/2007 10:35 PM

PHOEBE CATES: still a Total Cutie at 43 on 03/22/2007 0:54 AM

Nananadya na yata si SANJAYA!!! on 03/21/2007 9:19 PM

DISTRITO, Destroyed. on 03/21/2007 3:11 AM

SISIG with Brains; Two New WHITE TEAs; INASAL to rival JT's on 03/21/2007 2:31 AM

WILT : the likes of whom we'll never see again... on 03/21/2007 1:08 AM

SATUR's Flight of Fancy on 03/19/2007 9:33 PM

KOBE En Fuego!!! on 03/19/2007 8:32 PM

The KALYE Gourmet on 03/19/2007 7:46 PM

PACQUIAO, please stop this CONGRESS nonsense and instead demolish MARQUEZ!!! on 03/18/2007 4:42 PM

Why We Read FHM on 03/18/2007 3:55 PM

The Newest AMERICAN IDOL Scandal on 03/18/2007 3:25 PM

BALE BALL! on 03/18/2007 3:30 AM

MUSIC & LYRICS : Pinoy Version on 03/18/2007 1:56 AM

LORI comes first . com on 03/15/2007 10:29 PM

The BEST BASKETBALL Game of the Year on 03/15/2007 8:09 PM

The 1st PINOY in the NBA??? on 03/15/2007 7:51 PM

MIKE DEFENSOR's New Leading Lady on 03/15/2007 7:34 PM

The Korean and Japanese Variants of JINRO on 03/15/2007 9:59 AM

NO to NEPOTISM: Not Related to this HIZON on 03/14/2007 10:32 PM

MIDNIGHT Oasis on 03/14/2007 0:46 AM

SMUCKER's Summer on 03/13/2007 0:36 PM

AWARD-WINNING Dialogue from Ate Vi..... on 03/13/2007 1:07 AM

SEPARATED at BIRTH?!?!?!?!!! on 03/13/2007 0:34 AM

from Ranee A. Spina : "HOW TO CHOOSE A MAN TO MARRY" on 03/12/2007 11:52 PM

Where There's SMOKE.... on 03/12/2007 11:35 AM

No "YO!" on 03/11/2007 11:36 AM

ICKY KIKO is #1 : the latest survey from the SWS on 03/10/2007 6:09 PM

Wala Pa Rin Tatalo sa ALASKA!!! on 03/10/2007 1:57 AM

On NURSING on 03/10/2007 0:19 AM

Pinoy Big Brother 2 SUCKS. on 03/09/2007 11:49 PM

PUREGOLD Treasures on 03/09/2007 10:50 PM

KING BIGAS (with apologies to King Leonidas of Sparta) on 03/08/2007 10:41 AM

COPPER Cabana on 03/08/2007 2:59 AM

Μολών Λαβέ on 03/08/2007 1:04 AM

Of Barking DOGS and Planting VEGETABLES on 03/05/2007 10:39 PM

SPAGHETTI of the SUN on 03/05/2007 0:59 PM

Return to the HELLENIC TAVERN on 03/05/2007 11:44 AM

JOMA SISON is Dancing With The Stars... on 03/03/2007 2:06 PM




RECTAL RECTO on 03/03/2007 0:37 PM

"300" : March 7, 2007 on 03/02/2007 11:30 PM

WATER BABY on 03/02/2007 1:16 AM

That Distinctive CTU Ringtone from "24" on 03/02/2007 0:23 AM

I DON'T TRUST THIS GUY on 03/01/2007 9:35 PM

Homemade RACLETTE on 02/28/2007 10:28 PM

The Colors of EASTER on 02/28/2007 9:52 PM

A Wedding Cake that would make DR. SEUSS Proud! on 02/28/2007 1:50 AM

STRANGER THAN FICTION: The Truth Is, this is My Best Picture of 2006!!! on 02/27/2007 0:03 PM

Mom's Sunday SALMON & RISOTTO on 02/25/2007 8:15 PM

Welcome Back, KUYA!!! (younger brother mo ba si BANKER?) on 02/25/2007 11:57 AM

The Sunday DVD MARATHON on 02/25/2007 11:13 AM

I Defend ANGELICA's Basic Human Right to AIRBRUSH Herself!!! on 02/25/2007 10:50 AM

Philippine Political ADobo on 02/23/2007 10:24 PM

"HOPE" and DESPAIR.... on 02/23/2007 10:04 PM

after FHM, read UDS!!! on 02/23/2007 9:55 PM

unDZputable on 02/23/2007 2:16 AM

PCSO : The Worst TV Commercial, EVER!!! on 02/23/2007 0:53 AM

CHIZ Whiz on 02/22/2007 3:05 AM

The Best Little KOR-House in ..... on 02/22/2007 2:14 AM

In Honor of Baguio's PANAGBENGA on 02/20/2007 10:52 PM

new on my shelf : THE TRAVELLER on 02/20/2007 1:18 AM

Jungle ADOBO on 02/20/2007 0:46 AM

The CONFIRMATI at The GESU on 02/18/2007 11:57 PM

SWS Survey : Spanky's Winning (& Whining) Senators!!! on 02/18/2007 0:11 PM

BONO makes his film debut in Across The Universe (yes, THE BEATLES universe!!!) on 02/17/2007 11:57 PM

RAY-BANgaw : Aviator Shades are back!!! on 02/17/2007 10:40 PM

iPUD on 02/16/2007 10:04 PM

PRUNE CAKE for Kuya Joey's 40th Birthday! on 02/16/2007 8:17 PM

WALKING SMALL: a GMA production on 02/16/2007 8:01 PM

Senator MACHETE!!! on 02/16/2007 7:28 PM

SCALLOPINI Ini!!! on 02/16/2007 6:36 PM

A.J. TABALDO : A Pinoy in AMERICAN IDOL's Top 24? on 02/15/2007 11:57 PM

I Scream for AMERICAN IDOL Ice Cream!!! on 02/15/2007 0:53 AM

DIS IS YOU!!! Da Return of THE BIG J!!!! on 02/15/2007 0:11 AM

BEYONCE' Illustrated on 02/14/2007 10:04 PM

can't wait for..... MUSIC and LYRICS!!! on 02/13/2007 0:07 AM

THE POLICE are still Arresting!!! on 02/12/2007 11:44 PM





ka-LAW-kohan on 02/12/2007 10:27 PM

Me Love You LONG-TIME!!! on 02/12/2007 10:07 PM

SORBET a la BIANCA on 02/12/2007 9:31 PM

The Answer is BLOWING in the WIND? on 02/11/2007 11:07 PM

Palakasan ng HANGIN.... on 02/11/2007 10:01 PM

Hell Hath No Fury like an ASTRONAUT Scorned!!! on 02/11/2007 2:04 PM

sing along with me now: TWEN-TY FOUR sinong di mawiwili? on 02/11/2007 1:33 PM

The Return of the TOLKIEN on 02/11/2007 0:12 PM

Year of the SNAKE, Month of the SCORPION on 02/11/2007 9:35 AM

No Yolk, NO YOLK!!! on 02/11/2007 9:26 AM

#1 cause of EDSA accidents on 02/11/2007 9:22 AM

DURIAN Nation on 02/10/2007 0:37 PM

Hanging Them Out to DRY? on 02/06/2007 11:25 PM

The Native TEXAS PECAN CAKE on 02/06/2007 11:08 PM

AGED STEAKS from The PRIME BEEF Company on 02/06/2007 10:36 PM

PULIS OYSTER!!! on 02/04/2007 0:54 AM

a BLOODy good gem of a film on 02/04/2007 0:25 AM

SALTY & SWEET on 02/03/2007 0:06 AM

The Tables are Full at LAMESA GRILL on 02/01/2007 11:10 AM

The BEATLES in the wee small hours of the morning on 02/01/2007 1:51 AM

... and on THE SIXTH DAY on 01/29/2007 11:32 PM

ASTIG!!! on 01/29/2007 10:10 PM

The Ultimate BEEF SASHIMI on 01/29/2007 9:46 PM

7 - 1st 4 - 24 - S.6 on 01/26/2007 8:48 PM

KRISPinoY KREME on 01/26/2007 8:21 PM

My Reading Backlog : The BOOKLOG on 01/26/2007 8:02 PM

The TERMIRAZOR on 01/26/2007 7:51 PM

DEJA VU: one of the best Time Travel movies ever!!! on 01/23/2007 2:32 AM

DEJA VU: one of the best Time Travel movies ever!!! on 01/23/2007 2:24 AM

BABEL : The Ultimate FEEL-BAD Movie!!! on 01/23/2007 0:51 AM

let's pray she doesn't supersize on Mc DO like her mom... on 01/19/2007 10:34 PM

NOT the next Mayor of MANILA!!! on 01/19/2007 2:09 AM

FAB FOUR kids & adults!!! on 01/17/2007 10:26 PM

Well Worth the P150.00 Pale Pilsens!!! on 01/15/2007 9:18 PM

I can be your HIRO, baby.... on 01/14/2007 10:14 PM

NEW from NABISCO!!! on 01/10/2007 10:40 PM

The PERFECT BAR on 01/09/2007 10:42 PM

Absolutely NO DOUBT About It...... on 01/07/2007 1:58 PM

a very TWISTED version of Scent of a Woman on 01/07/2007 0:16 PM

Lola Sally's Clan's New Year's Day FOOD TRIP on 01/03/2007 10:29 PM

Spanx' TOP MOVIES of 2006!!! on 12/30/2006 0:47 PM

BOOM na BOOM!!! on 12/28/2006 3:09 PM

napakaLIGAYA talaga ng PASKO... on 12/28/2006 1:49 PM

in the name of love: The Queen Knights BONO on 12/28/2006 11:47 AM

The ANSWER: Happy!!! on 12/28/2006 11:30 AM

No Wonder The Internet was SOOO SLOW Yesterday... on 12/28/2006 10:46 AM

SILVER works!!! on 12/28/2006 10:33 AM

The Annual SEARING of the HOC SHIU on 12/22/2006 11:08 PM

The BEATLES Chill Out on 12/22/2006 10:47 PM

The BEST Movie Scene of 2006??? on 12/21/2006 0:38 AM

take a bow, MR. ARENAS!!! on 12/19/2006 0:43 AM

I heart BBC!!! on 12/18/2006 11:24 PM

The DQ Ice Cream SANDWICH!!! on 12/18/2006 10:44 PM

Congratulations, BLOGGERS, FRIENDSTERS, MULTIPLY-ers, etc., etc.!!! on 12/18/2006 10:20 PM

Pateros & Pampanga PIZZA on 12/18/2006 8:54 PM

she sort of looks like a PINAY Angelina Jolie on 12/14/2006 3:08 AM

before I forget, THANK YOU!!! on 12/14/2006 1:13 AM

Before Sunday's Rally, EAT ALL THE DIMSUM You Can!!! on 12/13/2006 10:22 PM

RAPE and MAGIC on 12/12/2006 10:23 PM

This CLOSE-UP Boy Should Just SHUT UP. on 12/12/2006 9:57 PM

Ang BASTUSANG PAMBANSA : The House of Reprehensibles on 12/07/2006 1:12 AM

LEGASPI CITY is the Philippines' NEW ORLEANS on 12/04/2006 11:55 PM

Daniel Smith's THOUSAND YARD STARE.... on 12/04/2006 11:32 PM

"Gusto Ko nang MANGAGAT ng Tao!!!!" on 12/04/2006 11:15 PM

Pulse Asia Survey : PACMAN is 2nd Most Trusted Pinoy on 12/04/2006 10:46 PM

DOLPHY is One Lucky Sanamagan!!! on 12/03/2006 10:01 PM

CLAUDE's Dream Book!!! on 12/03/2006 9:11 PM

Let's PRAY that this blows over.... on 11/30/2006 2:13 AM

THE QUEEN : The Best Movie of 2006? on 11/28/2006 11:19 PM

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH : an incredibly important film on 11/28/2006 1:36 AM

Farewell to "Mad" MAX on 11/28/2006 0:04 AM

a G.K. party : Great Kids of Gawad Kalinga! on 11/26/2006 10:52 AM

DOMESTIC Bliss? on 11/26/2006 10:46 AM

The Bacolod TERMINATOR on 11/26/2006 10:24 AM

so much more than just BACOLOD Chicken!!! on 11/26/2006 9:35 AM

BOTTICELLI would have approved.... on 11/25/2006 2:20 AM

In Love with LOVE on 11/22/2006 10:22 PM

YAO MING reaches New Heights.... on 11/22/2006 2:37 AM

My Ex-Girlfriend's SUPER CARBONARA on 11/21/2006 8:20 PM

My TOP 10 Songs of 2006 ...... so far! on 11/20/2006 10:26 PM

BLOW by BLOW on 11/20/2006 6:26 PM

My New Philippine Idol : SARAH JERONWEEMOW!!! on 11/19/2006 1:51 PM



BAKBAKAN NA!!! on 11/19/2006 0:31 PM

Better Than THE CODE? on 11/18/2006 2:11 AM

2 New KITKATs + 1 New CHIPS AHOY! on 11/18/2006 1:22 AM

Too Many ISTOOPID PINOY POLITICIANS Deaden The Mind.... on 11/17/2006 2:20 AM

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK on 11/17/2006 1:23 AM

Akala Ko Ba, BAWAL na ang mga BILLBOARD??? on 11/16/2006 1:34 PM

the BLOND BOND is BLOODY GOOD on 11/16/2006 2:02 AM

FASHION SHOW Make BORAT Proud!!! on 11/14/2006 11:54 PM

CHOOSE the TITLE : ________________ on 11/14/2006 10:53 PM

You'll Laugh So Hard, You'll SNORT!!! on 11/13/2006 10:45 PM

The Next ARSENIO or The Return of ALFREDO?? on 11/13/2006 9:24 PM

Smack, Slurp, Smooch, or Smoooth?? on 11/13/2006 9:22 PM

Bora Bora BORAT!!! on 11/13/2006 7:33 PM

Ms. Earth - Canada is a PINAY... on 11/12/2006 11:42 PM

Peanut Butter LOVE on 11/12/2006 10:53 PM

ETHAN HUNT is JERRY MAGUIRE on 11/12/2006 1:34 PM

Fade to BLACK.... on 11/12/2006 2:38 AM

who's the CRIMINAL here??? on 11/12/2006 2:05 AM

The Latest Chocolate Haul from CANADA on 11/11/2006 9:07 PM

AMAZING RACE ASIA : Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas!!! on 11/11/2006 1:12 AM

MeZZe's CAESAR SALAD PIZZA on 11/11/2006 0:18 AM

Solidified Starbucks' PEPPERMINT MOCHA on 11/10/2006 2:05 AM

Deep Fried COKE!!! on 11/10/2006 0:42 AM

Big-Ass BURGERS!!! on 11/09/2006 11:37 PM

Worth More Than THREE THOUSAND WORDS....... on 11/09/2006 5:53 PM

The WEATHER PIXIE on 11/09/2006 5:03 PM

The Return of SHOWTIME??? on 11/08/2006 11:38 PM

GOD is Back... in EVAN Almighty!!! on 11/08/2006 11:00 PM

Finally: A PINOY FILM GETS A HOLLYWOOD REMAKE on 11/07/2006 8:56 PM

IMELDA still has her *Bling Bling*!!! on 11/07/2006 2:56 PM

THE THIRD SECRET on 11/07/2006 11:46 AM

We FILIPINOS are MILD DRINKERS on 11/06/2006 10:26 PM

The DUMBING DOWN of Our GOVERNMENT Continues... on 11/06/2006 5:10 PM

My SHAOLIN Godson on 11/06/2006 1:41 AM

CASINO ROYALE: The First Review from the U.K. on 11/06/2006 0:44 AM

The Japanese GHOST HOUSE on 11/04/2006 2:36 AM

aBOSSAdo na ang Bossa Nova on 11/03/2006 6:39 PM

"BREATHE....." on 11/03/2006 0:16 AM

That U2 & GREEN DAY Song on 10/31/2006 10:10 PM

007 & B007E: Shaken not Stirred on 10/30/2006 5:26 PM

Don't Dare Miss: FIGHT SCIENCE on NatGeo on 10/30/2006 1:30 AM

Chef Tony's POP-fest!!! on 10/29/2006 1:07 PM
>


The Ultimate BEACH CD on 10/27/2006 9:44 PM

BOY N the HOODz on 10/27/2006 8:53 PM

ERAP is Triple X!!! on 10/27/2006 1:18 AM

ROCKY 6 : rage against the machine on 10/25/2006 10:37 PM

NAPOLEON : The Next Big Thing in DONUTS??? on 10/25/2006 9:19 PM

On SINATRA on 10/24/2006 0:03 PM

SEX is Easy, Love is HARD on 10/24/2006 11:39 AM




after watching WORLD TRADE CENTER, read this: on 10/23/2006 0:30 PM

a MARRIAGE made in heaven.... on 10/23/2006 2:48 AM

RYAN CAYABYAB is my Philippine Idol on 10/21/2006 11:04 PM

download it here: SARAH McLACHLAN's Happy X'Mas on 10/20/2006 0:06 PM

Sarah McLachlan sings John Lennon's HAPPY X'MAS (War is Over) on 10/20/2006 2:55 AM

Jojo Binay is UNBREAKABLE on 10/19/2006 5:56 PM

Mr. Pagsi's TENDER PROSE on 10/19/2006 0:40 AM

must watch : ANNIE HALL on 10/18/2006 10:25 PM

Only 69 Days 'til CHRISTMAS!!! on 10/18/2006 7:22 PM

The Most Unexpected FHM CoverGirl Ever!!! on 10/18/2006 7:13 PM

Own. Every. Single. Episode. On DVD!!! on 10/17/2006 7:13 PM

MARCOS to run for Manila Mayor...... Borgy Marcos Manotoc, that is!!! on 10/17/2006 11:01 AM

Introducing CHU-HI, The Japanese AlcoPop on 10/16/2006 9:11 PM

FRESHLY BREWED SMB at the Dusit Hotel on 10/16/2006 2:01 PM

NOW, this is more like it!!!! on 10/16/2006 1:58 AM

I Look Like JIMI HENDRIX & NICOLE KIDMAN on 10/15/2006 11:02 PM

The Passionate POETRY of PABLO on 10/15/2006 11:37 AM

that infamous P*T*NG *N* marathon on 10/14/2006 9:39 PM

The All-Time 50 BEST MOVIE ENDINGS on 10/14/2006 0:48 PM

Have a safe Friday the 13th, kahit SAN ka man mapadpad... on 10/13/2006 3:34 PM

SITTI-ng Pretty on 10/12/2006 1:24 PM

Welcome to the BETA Version of YahooMail!!! on 10/11/2006 11:30 PM

Excellent Soundtrack : BRIDGET JONES, The Edge of Reason on 10/11/2006 11:03 PM

I Melt With You, VALLEY GIRL!!! on 10/10/2006 10:17 PM

KKK : Katakaw-takawan Kagutom-gutoman mga Kapampangan on 10/10/2006 4:22 PM

BOOKS for the BIG BOYS.... on 10/10/2006 1:47 AM

Bring on the Bonamine : T.REX on IMAX 3-D!!! on 10/10/2006 0:24 AM

Freshly Popped CHICARON at the BEACH on 10/09/2006 5:14 PM

FEAR FACTOR FOOD in Dinalupihan, Bataan on 10/09/2006 4:30 PM

My Dearly DEPARTED on 10/07/2006 10:32 AM

AWITIN MO, IBO-BOSSANOVA KO on 10/06/2006 7:32 PM

MO)ONCAKE Madness!!! on 10/05/2006 10:12 PM

TOPshirt on 10/05/2006 9:38 PM

We Now Live in THE MATRIX on 10/05/2006 8:57 PM

My CHRISTMAS DVD Viewing List on 10/04/2006 8:37 PM

TOTUS TUUS, UST!!! on 10/03/2006 0:52 PM

Two Excellent KINKY-POIGNANT Novels on 10/01/2006 8:39 PM

MILENYO!!! on 09/29/2006 1:14 PM

CLASS Act by SEN. ROXAS on 09/26/2006 1:45 PM

LEGENDAry & ROYAL on 09/25/2006 3:29 PM

.....BROKEBACK of the ust tigers on 09/25/2006 1:14 AM

THE BIG LAGOK would not have sounded as good... on 09/22/2006 8:57 PM

Pres. Marcos' Lonely Hearts Club Band on 09/21/2006 1:57 PM

TOCINO del CIELO on 09/20/2006 0:22 PM

well at least he's not running for MANILA Vice Mayor!!! on 09/18/2006 9:14 PM

C2 is GOLDEN on 09/18/2006 4:02 PM

Lola Sally's BON VOYAGE Food Trip Continues..... on 09/14/2006 1:29 AM

simply the best : HIZON'S ENSAYMADA on 09/13/2006 2:17 AM

The Latest CHOCOLATE Haul on 09/12/2006 11:35 PM

M.Y.L.P. (make your lola proud!) on 09/11/2006 2:34 PM

Best. Lola. Ever. on 09/11/2006 11:42 AM

Shouldn't this be at HALF-MAST? on 09/10/2006 10:29 AM

Manila SINKS, not STINKS. on 09/10/2006 1:46 AM

buhay pAPO sila on 09/07/2006 10:56 PM

CRISPY PATA a la Rachael Ray on 09/07/2006 0:02 PM

AGASSI rages against the dying of the light on 09/06/2006 1:13 AM

Thanks for all the CROCS and all the CRIKEYS!!! on 09/05/2006 4:47 PM

ABSOLUT SUHA!!! on 09/03/2006 11:16 PM
>

The Secretary of Injustice on 09/03/2006 10:11 PM

this is all Mariah Carey's fault..... on 09/01/2006 10:30 PM

STAR WARS : The Return of the Originals on 08/31/2006 4:29 PM

PINAYS are the prettiest girls in the world!!! on 08/31/2006 0:54 AM

What's New PUCCI KAT? on 08/30/2006 1:13 PM

spanx' DVD watchlist : THE ROAD TO GUANTANAMO on 08/29/2006 5:41 PM

spanx' DVD watchlist: THE SENTINEL on 08/29/2006 5:31 PM

a WHITE RUSSIAN from 7-11!!! on 08/28/2006 11:09 PM

Sunday Lunch : ALIMANGO con BAYABAS on 08/27/2006 1:32 PM

I heart COOKIES!!! on 08/25/2006 10:41 PM

another DA VINCI mystery on 08/24/2006 1:59 AM

IBA ang beach na ito!!! on 08/23/2006 0:03 AM

let's not forget the reason for this long weekend. on 08/18/2006 2:19 AM

MANO'S HELLENIC TAVERN is Heavenly... on 08/18/2006 1:37 AM

PINAYS are the prettiest girls in the world!!! on 08/17/2006 11:40 PM

INXS rocked the Araneta Coliseum on 08/17/2006 3:13 AM

SASS - maryosep!!! on 08/15/2006 1:39 AM

HUSTLE flows.... on 08/14/2006 8:17 PM

forget Milli Vanilli, meet MANILA VANILLA!!! on 08/14/2006 6:53 PM

i am curious.... YELLOW on 08/14/2006 5:41 PM

Discover Your Inner Porn Star!!! on 08/14/2006 4:59 PM

must watch : KISS KISS BANG BANG on 08/14/2006 3:52 AM

the new look of Coke Light on 08/14/2006 0:06 AM

a Korean bar straight out of My Sassy Girl on 02/17/2006 0:42 AM



Monday, August 20, 2007

The Last ROMANTIC?

Just last night,

I was having a conversation
about my impassioned opinions
on matters as diverse as:

the merits of "baston" jeans,
why I enjoy hosting children's parties,
the many ways by which I'll torture Malu Fernandez,
why I feel I might eat my words and still enter politics,
the melancholic, grief-stricken depths of my eyes (huh?),
why "Yahweh, I Know You Are Near" is one of the best mass songs,
the reasons why "Top Chef" is a great reality TV show,

and why all this boundless optimism
in my unshakeable beliefs rounds off to my being
considered a hopeless,
or as i prefer,
a hopeful Romantic.



I don't mind.

I love the fact that
I can still dream with my eyes wide open ",




And so,
upon waking up this non-Manic Monday morning,
I was pleasantly surprised
to read Sara Soliven-De Guzman's column
in The Philippine Star,

which perfectly articulated my feelings about my hero,
Ninoy Aquino,
who, it turns out,
was also considered to be quite the Romantic himself.

Not surprisingly, her tribute
included excerpts from the writings of her father,
one of the greatest Filipino journalists ever.

Here's her dad,
the late, great Max Soliven,

on his Ateneo schoolmate,
Martial Law jailmate,
true friend,
and fellow Pinoy patriot:



"These days,
the Filipino spirit has been dampened,
our self-confidence crushed
under the weight of each revealed inequity,
and tales of resurgent corruption, graft, vaulting ambition –
plus the continuous fight on terrorism.

This is a time for us to remember a man
who believed that the Filipino was “worth dying for,”
and from him gather the renewed resolve
that the Filipino is worth living for, as well.





Ninoy was a hard-nosed newspaperman.
He took risks where others preferred to be prudent.
For him life was a great adventure.



Aquino had that golden tongue
to which every politician aspires,
but with which only a few are gifted.

It goes beyond rhetoric or eloquence on the entablado:
he had a strange power to move hearts, provoke laughter,
attract loyalty and affection,
whip a crowd up to a frenzy and the fervor of a crusade,
inspire hope in listeners
miserably perched in the brink of despair.


Most politicians bet on a sure thing.
Ninoy gambled on the goodness and sense of decency of the Filipino.
A pragmatist would have kept himself safely in the United States
preserving his life “until a better day.”



But Ninoy was a romantic
who believed that promises must be kept,
pledges must be redeemed,
and death – if it awaited him –
must be faced in order to show the people
that there are things more important than life.


When he died,
I penned an adieu entitled:
“Goodbye, Superboy! A Fond Farewell to the Last Romantic.”

Yet, I hope Ninoy was not the last romantic –
for such romantics are what we desperately need
in these painful days of harsh and bitter realities.


Someone once said that it is far better to soar with the eagles,
braving the hunter’s gun,
than to scratch on the ground with chickens.

The hunter’s gun finally found Ninoy Aquino at the airport
which now bears his name.


His spirit was freed to soar among the stars.”





Here are some of the best NINOY AQUINO tribute sites:

http://ninoyaquino.50webs.com/

http://www.tributetoninoy.tk/

http://library.thinkquest.org/15816/



Manila Boy's readers are from:
Visitor Map
Create your own visitor map!